From county to city overnight

One of many towns to recently become part of Cork city, Ballincollig is a rapidly growing suburban hub of both business and pleasure.

Ballincollig, which comes from the Irish name Baile an Chollaigh, meaning the town of the boar, joined towns like Blarney, Grange and Glanmire when it transitioned from county to city in the 2019 Cork city boundary extension.

With a population of more than 200,000 people, the town is home to a long list of local and international businesses big and small, a large shopping centre boasting 30 stores, two secondary schools and some of the best open public spaces in the county.

Alongside the town, on the south bank of the Lee, lies the award winning Ballincollig Regional Park, a vast green space containing many scenic walkways and wildlife as well as a skate park which was the first of its kind in county Cork when installed.

Ballincollig is not short on history either. The Gunpowder Mills, which were historically used to manufacture gunpowder for the British Government, are now a popular tourist attraction for the town.

To the south west of the town sits Ballincollig Castle, which dates back to at least the fifteenth century. The castle itself is on private land but is viewable from the Ballincollig and is fondly depicted in song by well-known Cork musician John Spillane.

If it’s music you’re after, upstairs at the White Horse is the place to go. The cosy venue hosts top class acts all year round with familiar faces like Declan O’Rourke, Micky Joe Harte and Jack L, just a few of the big names to play there.

Ballincollig lies less than ten kilometres from the city centre and is serviced regularly by the 220 and 220X busses which leave from the Grand Parade.